Deputy Wardens

Deputy Warden of Operations Jose Menchaca began his career with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department in 2004. In 2012 he achieved the rank of Sergeant in the Classification department and was appointed Commander of the Special Operations Response Team. In February of 2014 Jose was appointed Deputy Warden.

Deputy Warden Menchaca graduated from Lake Central High School in 1995. He then went on to study Criminal Justice at Purdue University Calumet. Jose was born and raised in Lake County and resides with his family in Whiting, Indiana.

Deputy Warden Niecey Gore has been with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department since 1989. She has held several positions including Sgt. of Jail Classification, Deputy Warden of Personnel, and Director of the Female Work Release.

Niecey graduated from Gary Roosevelt in 1981 and then attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN.

She is a lifelong Lake County resident and currently lives in Gary, IN. She has one daughter and a granddaughter.

Deputy Warden Kimmel began career with the Lake County Sheriff’s Department in May of 1993 as a Line Officer. After nine years, she was promoted to the rank of SGT.

Deputy Warden Kimmel was appointed to her current position of Deputy Warden in May of 2011, and is in charge of Personnel and Human Resources, as well as Training for the entire Corrections Division. During this time, she was promoted to the rank of LT.

She attended Indiana University for two years, Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Jail Officers Course, and training in Jail Administration through the United States Department of Justice in Tallahassee, Fl. She has also received specialized training in many other Corrections-related areas throughout her career.

Currently resides in Hobart with Husband and Son.

Compliance Officers

James Oppolo became a Lake County Police Officer in 1979 and retired as a Sergeant in 2007 with 28 years of service. During that time he served in the Patrol, Detective and Civil Divisions and as Director of Food Service for approximately 23 years.

James returned to the Department in 2011 as a Compliance Officer to assist in the coordination to bring the Food Service and Laundry Divisions into compliance with the Department of Justice Regulations.

James currently resides in Schererville, Indiana. Born and raised in East Chicago, he is married and the father of three children, grandfather of five. His son James Jr. followed in his Dad’s footsteps and is also a Lake County Police Officer.

Ed Foster Began his Law Enforcement career within the Lake County Sheriff's Department in January of 1965.

Ed retired in August 1994 with 30 years of service including 10 years assigned to the jail as a shift Sgt. and was appointed Jail Warden by the late Sheriff Chris Anton.

Ed was asked by Sheriff John Buncich to return as a Compliance Supervisor in January 2010 to work with the Department of Justice.